Classic Beef Burgers With Cheese Sauce

Food.com

30 mins (prep 30)

14 ingredients

4 servings

No matter what the story is behind this burger, first or not, it is sheer perfection on a bun. This recipe is loosely based on the original hamburger that was invented and still served at Louis’ Lunch in Connecticut. One visit to the quaint little corner burger joint and you will see first hand how this burger phenomenon has captivated the regulars. The recipe, which has not changed since its invention in 1900, uses 5 different combinations of ground chuck and can only be topped with cheese, onion and tomato. In fact Louis’ Lunch refuses to serve ketchup or mustard saying it would corrupt the taste. This recipe yields a similar moist burger by combining chuck and grilled sirloin and uses a version of the restaurant’s cheddar cheese sauce spiked with lager. Surprisingly, the burger really does not need ketchup or other condiments; it definitely holds its own. The recipe was adapted from Steven Raichlen.Beer Recommendation: Samuel Adams Boston Lager was suggested to me for the cheese sauce and to drink with this recipe. There was a strong, but not overpowering, beer taste to the cheese sauce that I enjoyed.